I think most writers, especially those who start young, begin writing simply because they want to. It's fun to create characters, places, and plots. We enjoy writing.
But the complex web of publishing and marketing tries to conform us to its whims. Not everyone wants to read the type of material we write, so publishers and agents look for certain kinds of writers. I've been searching for an agent for over half a year now, and I've found that most Christian agents just will not accept the genres I write!
That's sad.
When art becomes business, it is more difficult to enjoy. That's what I think. Alas, alas, that the world provides only one way to tell the stories burning within us! You really can't avoid business of some type if you want to be well known.
Think about it. The writer writes for enjoyment. The publisher publishes for money. Somehow, those two don't connect very well in my mind.
I'm sorry to say I don't have a solution for this unavoidable problem. I think money and business are direct results of the Curse. I really do!
Are you depressed yet? I don't like leaving people depressed. There is only one happy way to end this.
I believe that everything good is from Jehovah, but we, being stupid humans, have completely messed everything up (money and business included). Because God is abounding in love and grace, Christians have hope that, through Jesus, everything will be good again, as it once was. What does that mean for you as a writer? If you are a believer in Christ, then you can expect that nothing will be futile in Heaven. Everything you will do will never have a bad side. I don't know if we'll write in Heaven, but I'm sure that whatever happens there will be much better than the best things that happen here. "And that is an encouraging thought," to quote a wise, old wizard.
There is not much of a point to this post. More like a bunch of points rolled into one. Sorry about that.
Post Tenebras Lux!
-ST
12 comments:
Exactly, ST! I completely agree with you.
I started out writing (and I still do) for enjoyment. I relish the thrill that runs through me when I write an action scene, the accomplishment when I finish a novel, and the triumph when the good guy defeats his greatest foe!
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Sorry, I really like writing. :D I suppose I went on a bit of 'Writing Rant' myself. :D
I agree on most of that, except the whole thing about a writer writing because he or she enjoys it. I mean, sure I love it, but I write so that I might just one day be famous, that one day I'll be read. Good post anyway.
Thanks for your comments, guys.
Yes, Brayben, I think we all want people to read our stories. But if we hated to write, we would never start, even for fame, I think.
I started writing when a friend of mine got interested in film making, and needed someone to write a script. So I decided to do it for her, haha. I never actually finished it (it was horrendous, I promise you) but I've been writing ever since :) Funny thing is, the only thing I have ever had success with is scripts . . maybe I need to go back to where I started, haha. But my heart and enjoyment is with fantasy, I shall not give it up yet :)
Awesome post, Storyteller :)
The problem is, if no one reads it, it doesn't seem to be as valuable.
Barie, that is a neat way to have gotten interested in writing! Working on any movie scripts?
Galadriel, I'm sure that's how the world sees it. Isn't it good to know that God always cares about what we do?
I suppose it depends on who and what you write for (I'm sure someone already touched on this, though).
Personally, I think if you write for others, or for fame, it's easily disappointed. But if you write for God, it doesn't matter if others think it's terrible or not.
And besides that, some people may add that they make their books so that others may enjoy them and be strengthened in everyday life.
Wow, there's a lot to say on this subject. :D
Every time I hear about a book written solely for fame, meant to be liked, it's an utter failure. Write what you love, your heart has to be in it, or it's bound to a mess. That's my opinion, whatever it counts for, haha
Storyteller, Nope, no movie scripts at the moment. Currently working on a script for a comic book, haha. Which is way out of my comfort zone, but it's cool :)
Write what you love and you can't go wrong.
But now I feel that I must reply to jake's post. It's true that if you write for God, it doesn't matter what others think. But it's equally true that in today's world, a book that can't be read isn't much use at all. So, my solution is this: write for God but write to the best of your ability... learn the trade; study (yes, I said study, because that is the only way you'll know whether or not your writing improves... that and to continue writing, of course)
Even if you write for God, polish the work until it's bright and shiney and can't possibly have a single speck of dust on it... and then polish some more. Then you can send it out.
And believe me Storyteller, if you've done all you can to make your story the best that it can be (and I've no doubt that you've done exactly that! :D) then you will find an agent, I promise you. It may take a lot of time... more than you are probably willing to wait... but you will find one. :)
Jake, I do agree.
Barie, a comic book sounds awesome!
Star-Dreamer, wise words. Thank you.
I agree with you, again and again!
I too write because it is a passion of mine. I want to be able to someday hold my book in my hands though... And if I get famous Yippe! but if I don't... I really don't care...
So, are you currently working on a novel?
I would love to hear about it!
Hey, Andrew! I have written a book and I've been seeking an agent. My journey is becoming more complicated, and if you check back this weekend there will be more information about where it stands right now. As for my manuscript, I have chosen not to reveal much about it online. I will say that it is a science fiction/fantasy that follows a teenage girl with an unshakable trust in Christ as she discovers a mysterious civilization.
How about you? Are you working on a novel?
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